Florida Hurricane Season Preparation Checklist
Posted by Michael Joiner on
Hurricane season runs from June 1 through November 30 every year, and for Florida homeowners, preparation isn't optional , it's essential. Whether you've lived through multiple storms or you're new to the state, having a solid plan in place before a hurricane threatens can make the difference between safety and disaster. Use this 2026 checklist to make sure your home and family are fully prepared.
Install or Inspect Your Hurricane Shutters
Your first line of defense is protecting your home's openings. If you already have hurricane shutters installed, inspect them before the season starts. Check for corrosion, damaged tracks, missing hardware, or broken slats. Test the operation of each shutter , deploy and retract them to make sure everything works smoothly. For motorized rolling shutters, test the motor and replace batteries in any backup systems. If you don't yet have shutters, now is the time to order. Lead times increase dramatically once a named storm forms, and prices may rise with demand.
Review Your Insurance Policy
Insurance: Discounts and documentation requirements vary by insurer, policy, property and inspection. Ask the insurer and a qualified wind-mitigation professional what is required before purchasing a product for a potential credit.
Prepare an Emergency Supply Kit
Assemble supplies to last at least 72 hours (ideally 7 days). Your kit should include water (one gallon per person per day), non-perishable food and a manual can opener, medications and first aid supplies, flashlights and extra batteries, a battery-powered or hand-crank radio, important documents in a waterproof container, cash in small bills, phone chargers and portable battery packs, and personal hygiene items.
Secure Your Outdoor Property
Loose outdoor items become dangerous projectiles in hurricane-force winds. Before a storm approaches, bring inside or secure patio furniture, grills, planters, garbage cans, and decorations. Trim trees and shrubs to reduce the risk of falling branches. Clear gutters and drains so water can flow freely.
Know Your Evacuation Zone and Plan
Florida has designated evacuation zones based on storm surge risk. Know which zone you're in and what category storm would trigger an evacuation order for your area. Plan your evacuation route in advance and have a backup route. Identify where you'll go and make sure your plan includes pet-friendly options if needed.
Order Hurricane Shutters from Shutters By Empire
Product approvals: Impact ratings and approval coverage depend on the exact product, configuration, dimensions, fasteners, substrate and installation. Confirm the current approval documents for the specific item before relying on it for hurricane protection. Decorative non-impact products are not substitutes for approved impact protection.
Don't wait until it's too late. Call us at 1-888-474-3555 or visit shuttersbyempire.com to get your shutters ordered before hurricane season.
Questions to answer before ordering hurricane shutters
A useful quote starts with more than a product name. Record the rough opening width and height, the surrounding mounting surface, wall material, nearby obstructions and how the opening is used. Photos can help the office understand conditions that measurements alone do not show.
- Which shutter family best matches the opening, budget and desired deployment method?
- What approval documents, permits and installation details apply at the project address?
- Who will install the product, and how will freight and site access be handled?
Compare current examples in the hurricane shutters collection. For custom dimensions, enter your opening measurements in the custom quote tool. The office will review measurements, colors, hardware, changes, shipping and the final total with you before payment.